Emotional Abuse

Many people struggle to understand how our culture defines domestic violence. Some believe that to constitute domestic violence, a person must be beaten or violently struck in some way. ... Read More

People who are healing from toxic love relationships do well to educate themselves on the nature of the emotional abuse sustained so that they can move through their pain to a place of ... Read More

The term “domestic violence” is an umbrella term that encompasses so much more than just physical violence. It involves a pattern of manipulative behaviors meant to control and maintain ... Read More

Because it’s mostly silent and invisible, childhood emotional neglect is largely an overlooked phenomenon in psychology. Unlike physical neglect or abuse, where there are signs such as ... Read More

You’re strong. You’re thick-skinned. You don’t take it personally when someone vents emotional distress on you. These are admirable, useful qualities. Having thick skin makes it easier ... Read More

Matt and Michele, as we’ll call them, had a pretty good engagement period. Matt spoiled Michele with flowers and sweet, little notes. They went to movies, took long walks, had heart-to-heart ... Read More

The relationship cycle typical of extreme narcissistic abuse generally follows a pattern. Individuals in emotionally abusive relationships experience a dizzying whirlwind that includes ... Read More

People encounter those with narcissism in love, work, and family relationships. When I provide psychotherapy for survivors of narcissistic abuse, one of the first steps in the healing process ... Read More

It is the nature of abuse within families to be as behaviorally nuanced and emotionally complex as the individuals involved. Relationship abuses nearly inevitably reveal a life-draining ... Read More

In my work with people who have survived narcissistic abuse, I find that many have endured a devastating form of emotional abuse called gaslighting. The film Gaslight (1944), starring Ingrid ... Read More

You are in a tough spot. You have been married for 16 years, and of course there’s a part of you that would love to see him change and spare all of you the challenges that come with ... Read More

Does this song sound familiar? “Every Breath You Take” by The Police: Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take I’ll be watching ... Read More